RCA Pro809 User manual

USER‘S
GUIDE
Pro809
Table of Contents.........1
Optional Accessories...2
First-Time Operation....8
Remote Control .........15
Powering Your Camcorder
18
Recording Features....26
Playback...................52
Trouble Checks..........56
Care and Maintenance58
Specifications............60
Limited Warranty ......61
Index........................62
CAMCORDER
CAMCORDER
®

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
i
Product Registration
Please fill out the product registration card and return it immediately. Returning this
card allows us to contact you if needed.
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of
purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you ever
need them. The numbers are located on the bottom of your camcorder.
Model No: Pro809
Serial No:
Purchase Date:
Purchased From:
Your video camcorder’s AC adapter/charger will operate on 100-240
volts AC, 50/60 Hz, and has a polarized plug. Because one blade of
the plug is wider than the other, the plug fits in the wall socket only
one way. Do not defeat the safety feature of this plug. If you need an
extension cord, use a polarized extension cord.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION: POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE
LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE
INSIDE. IF YOU SPILL LIQUID ON THE CAMCORDER OR
ADAPTER/CHARGER, DISCONNECT THE AC ADAPTER/CHARGER’S POWER
CORD TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND CONSULT
AUTHORIZED SERVICE PERSONNEL. MOISTURE CAN DAMAGE
INTERNAL PARTS. REFER ALL SERVICE TO AUTHORIZED RCA
CAMCORDER SERVICENTER PERSONNEL ONLY.

CAUTION: READ “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AC
ADAPTER/CHARGER” ON THE NEXT PAGE BEFORE USING THE AC
ADAPTER/CHARGER.
CAUTION: MAINTAIN ELECTRICAL SAFETY. POWERLINE-OPERATED
EQUIPMENT OR ACCESSORIES CONNECTED TO THIS UNIT SHOULD BEAR
THE UL LISTING MARK OR, IF PURCHASED AND USED IN CANADA, THE
CSA CERTIFICATION MARK ON THE ACCESSORIES THEMSELVES AND
SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SO AS TO DEFEAT THE SAFETY
FEATURES. THIS WILL HELP AVOID ANY POTENTIAL HAZARD FROM
ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD,
DO NOT EXPOSE CAMCORDER OR AC ADAPTER/
CHARGER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
ii
CAUTION: AVOID OPERATING YOUR CAMCORDER IMMEDIATELY AFTER
MOVING IT FROM A COLD LOCATION TO A WARM LOCATION. GIVE THE
CAMCORDER 1-1/2 TO 2 HOURS TO REACH A STABLE TEMPERATURE BEFORE
INSERTING A VIDEO CASSETTE. WHEN MOVED FROM A COLD AREA TO A
WARM LOCATION, MOISTURE MAY CONDENSE ON THE HEAD DRUM INSIDE
THE MACHINE. THIS MOISTURE COULD CAUSE THE TAPE TO STICK TO THE
HEADWHEEL AND DAMAGE THE HEADWHEEL OR TAPE.
The symbol of a lightning
flash within a triangle is
intended to alert the user
to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure and which may
be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock.
An exclamation point
within a triangle is
intended to alert the user
to the presence of
important operating and maintenance
(service) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
MISE EN GARDE
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (continued)

iii
Before using the AC adapter/charger,
read all instructions and cautionary
markings on (1) AC adapter/charger,
(2) battery, and (3) product using battery.
Caution: To reduce risk of injury,
charge only rechargeable batteries type
AV608, AV8MM, or AV8MSH. Other
types of batteries may burst causing
personal injury and damage.
Do not expose the adapter/charger to
moisture of any kind.
Use of an attachment not recommended
or sold by the battery charger
manufacturer may result in a risk of fire,
electric shock, or injury to persons.
To reduce risk of damage to electric plug
and cord, pull out the cord with the plug
rather than the cord when disconnecting
the adapter/charger from the wall outlet.
Make sure the cord is located so that it
will not be stepped on, tripped over, or
otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
Use of an improper extension cord could
result in a risk of fire and electric shock.
If an extension cord must be used, make
sure that:
1. Pins on the plug of the extension cord
are the same number, size, and shape
as those of the plug on the
adapter/charger.
2. Extension cord is properly wired and
in good electrical condition, and
3. Wire size below is met:
Minimum Length of Extension
AWG Size Cord (Feet)
18 Equal to or less
than 100
16 Equal to or less
than 150
Do not operate adapter/charger with a
damaged cord or plug. Replace it
immediately.
Do not operate adapter/charger if it has
received a sharp blow, been dropped, or
otherwise damaged in any way. Take it
to a qualified serviceman.
Do not disassemble adapter/charger.
Take it to an Authorized RCA
Camcorder Servicenter when service or
repair is required. Incorrect reassembly
may result in a risk of electric shock.
To reduce risk of electric shock, unplug
adapter/charger from outlet before
attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
Be sure to save these operating
instructions for future reference.
IMPORTANT SAFETYINSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: FCC REGULATIONS STATE THAT ANY UNAUTHORIZED
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT MAY VOID THE
USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE IT.
CAUTION: THE UNAUTHORIZED RECORDING OF TELEVISION
PROGRAMS AND OTHER MATERIALS MAY INFRINGE THE RIGHTS OF
OTHERS.
Important Safety Instructions for AC Adapter/Charger

iv
In addition to the careful attention
devoted to quality standards in the
manufacture of your product, safety
is a major factor in the design of
every instrument. However, safety is
your responsibility too.
These pages list important
information that will help to assure
your enjoyment and proper use of a
camcorder, adapter/charger, and
accessory equipment. Please read
them carefully before operating your
products.
Installation
1. Read and Follow Instructions—
All the safety and
operating instruc-
tions should be read
before the product is
operated. Follow all
operating
instructions.
2. Retain Instructions—The safety and
operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings—Comply with all
warnings on the product and in the
operating instructions.
4. Polarization—This product is
equipped with a polarized alternating-
current line plug (a plug having one
blade wider than the other). This plug
will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you
are unable to insert the plug fully into
the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug still fails to fit, contact your
electrician to replace your obsolete
outlet. To prevent electric shock, do
not use this polarized plug with an
extension cord, receptacle, or other
outlet unless the blades can be fully
inserted without blade exposure. If
you need an extension cord, use one
with a polarized plug.
5. Power Sources—This product should
be operated only from the type of
power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of
the type of power supply to your
home, consult your dealer or local
power company. For products
intended to operate from battery
power, or other sources, refer to the
operating instructions.
6. Overloading—Do not overload wall
outlets, extension cords, or integral
convenience receptacles as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Overloaded AC outlets, extension
cords, frayed power cords, damaged
or cracked wire
insulation, and
broken plugs are
dangerous. They
may result in a
shock or fire
hazard.
Periodically examine the cord, and if
its appearance indicates damage or
deteriorated insulation, have it
replaced by your service technician.
7. Power-Cord Protection—Power-
supply cords should be routed so that
they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the product.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
(continued on next page)

v
8. Ventilation—Slots and openings in
the products are provided for
ventilation to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to
protect them from overheating.
These openings must not be blocked
or covered. The openings should
never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should
not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or
rack unless proper ventilation is
provided or the product
manufacturer’s instructions have
been followed.
9. Attachments—Do not use
attachments unless recommended by
the product manufacturer as they
may cause hazards.
10. Water and Moisture—Do not use
this product near water—for
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool
and the like.
11. Accessories—Do not place this
product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult as well as
serious damage to the product. Use
this product only with a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table
recommended by the manufacturer
or sold with the product. Any
mounting of the product should
follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and use a mounting
accessory recommended by the
manufacturer.
11AA product and cart combination
should be moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the product and
cart combination to overturn.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (continued)
Caution: Maintain electrical
safety. Powerline operated
equipment or accessories connected
to this unit should bear the UL
listing mark or CSA certification
mark on the accessory itself and
should not be modified so as to
defeat the safety features. This will
help avoid any potential hazard
from electrical shock or fire. If in
doubt, contact qualified service
personnel.
(continued on next page)

vi
12. Outdoor Antenna Grounding—If
an outside antenna or cable system is
connected to the product, be sure the
antenna or cable system is grounded
so as to provide some protection
against voltage surges and built-up
static charges. Article 810 of the
National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA No. 70 (Section 54 of
Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1)
provides information with respect to
proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna-
discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-
discharge unit, connection to
grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding
electrode. See example below as per
National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70.
Example of Antenna Grounding
13. Power Lines—An outside antenna
system should not be located in the
vicinity of overhead power lines,
other electric light or power circuits,
or where it can fall into such power
lines or circuits. When installing an
outside antenna system, extreme
care should be taken to keep from
touching or approaching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them
might be fatal. Installing an outdoor
antenna can be hazardous and should
be left to a professional antenna
installer.
Use
14. Cleaning—Unplug this product
from the wall outlet before cleaning.
Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for
cleaning.
15. Object and Liquid Entry—Never
push objects of any kind into this
product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points
or “short-out” parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the
product.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (continued)
ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE
GROUND CLAMP
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS
(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
ELECTRIC SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNIT
(NEC SECTION 810-20)
(continued on next page)

vii
16. Lightning—For added protection
for this product during a lightning
storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time,
unplug it from the wall outlet and
disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to
the product due to lightning and
power line surges.
Service
17. Servicing—Do not attempt to
service this product yourself as
opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or
other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
18. Conditions Requiring Service—
Unplug this product from the wall
outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the
following conditions.
A.When the power-supply cord or
plug is damaged.
B. If liquid has been spilled, or
objects have fallen into the
product.
C. If the product has been exposed to
rain or water.
D.If the product does not operate
normally by following the
operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are
covered by the operating
instructions. Improper
adjustment of other controls may
result in damage and will often
require extensive work by a
qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation.
E. If the product has been dropped in
any way.
F. When the product exhibits a
distinct change in performance—
this indicates a need for service.
19. Replacement Parts—When
replacement parts are required, have
the service technician verify that the
replacements he uses have the same
safety characteristics as the original
parts. Use of replacements specified
by the product manufacturer can
prevent fire, electric shock, or other
hazards.
20. Safety Check—Upon completion of
any service or repairs to this product,
ask the service technician to perform
safety checks recommended by the
manufacturer to determine that the
product is in safe operating
condition.
21. Wall or Ceiling Mounting—The
product should be mounted to a wall
or ceiling only as recommended by
the manufacturer.
22. Heat—The product should be
situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (continued)

Table of Contents
1
Product Registration ............................i
Safety Precautions...........................i-vii
Optional Accessories ........................2-7
• Accessory Order Form.................5-7
First-Time Operation.....................8-14
Remote Control ............................15-17
Powering Your Camcorder .........18-23
Video Cassettes.............................24-25
Recording Features
• Display On/Off Feature.................26
• Quick Review................................26
• Edit Search....................................26
• Tally Light ....................................26
• Tape Positioning ...........................27
• Microphone...................................27
• Automatic Iris and White
Balance.....................................27
• Flying Erase Head.........................27
• Date and Time Displays ..........28-30
• Electronic Viewfinder...................31
• Displays in Viewfinder............32-33
•SCENE SELECT AE Modes..........34
• Backlight.......................................35
• Zooming .......................................36
• Fading In and Out of Scenes.........37
• Focusing Your Camcorder.......38-39
• Digital Special Effects ..................40
• Time Counter................................41
• Titler ........................................42-43
• Edit Insert Using the
Camcorder ..........................44-45
• Edit Insert From a Monitor
TV or VCR .........................46-47
• Recording from VCR or TV
Monitor...............................48-49
Attaching the Shoulder Strap...........50
Recording and Traveling Tips..........51
Playback
• Viewfinder Playback and
Playback Features
• Viewfinder Playback ...............52-53
• Playback Features....................52-53
• Stop-Action Pause................52-53
• Visual Searching ..................52-53
• Playback on TV (or VCR) Using
AUDIO/VIDEO IN Jacks ..54-55
Trouble Checks.............................56-57
Care and Maintenance.................58-59
Specifications......................................60
Limited Warranty..............................61
Index (Alphabetical).....................62-63

2
VCC1000 Video Color Control Center
The VCC1000 is two accessories in one.
The color control center allows you to
adjust the color intensity, tint, white
balance, and sharpness of tapes being
dubbed. This is especially helpful when
the original tape was produced in poor
lighting conditions or poor color settings.
The second feature – the character
generator – lets you create titles that can
be recorded on your tapes. This lets you
add a professional and/or personal touch
to your home videos.
Optional Accessories
We invite you to take a look at some great ideas for sparking creativity and adding to
the fun of using your 8mm camcorder. These pages have a selection of accessories to
help make your memorable moments look and sound even better.
These accessories are designed to make the process of recording and watching your
videos more enjoyable.
To order accessories, contact your local Dealer.
If a dealer is not nearby, all accessories are available through toll-free ordering or by
using the order form on page 5.
All specifications and descriptions of accessories are subject to change without notice.
AC025A Soft Carrying Case
Custom compact soft case designed
especially to provide protection and utility
for your 8mm camcorder and most
accessories. Rugged fabric lined with soft
non-abrasive material and generous
padding. Has three outside pockets with
storage for lens filters, adapters, batteries,
and tapes.